Occam's Razor

William of Occam (Ockham), (1285-1347): Most of us have at least heard his name, even if we have no idea why he's remembered by history. Simply put, he is the formulator of "Occam's Razor," a concept which states that when given two or more possible explanations for something, the simpler possibility with the fewest assumptions involved is correct. Speaking in general terms, I believe he was accurate in constructing this principle.

Scientists and philosophers devoted to the naturalistic paradigm frequently have used this very idea as a whip for flogging notions of a Supreme Being out of their field-of-vision. On a personal level, I've engaged in discussions at Vox's blog, in which this offensive measure has been utilized against my viewpoint.

But how many people are familiar with William of Occam's personal beliefs? How many know that he was a Franciscan monk, and a Christian? How many have read about his theological writings, or his significant influence on Martin Luther? I dare say the answer is few to none. In this era of excising God's influence from history books, and expunging His presence from a nation once built upon Christian ideals, it should come as no surprise that the heartfelt worldviews of many who thought great thoughts in the infancy of science are locked away in dusty tomes, forgotten, neglected.

Some consider his choice of religion irrelevant. I am not numbered among them. For as those of us who have come into close contact with Christians (or are Christians) know, the teachings of Christ do not just affect how we think--but how we act. Understanding this is an integral prerequisite for a comprehensive outlook on the formation of modern science. Clearly, then, the concept of Occam's Razor is not anti-Christian in its essence; otherwise, how did a Christian come to be its originator?

Occam did not see his theory as incompatible with a Christian outlook, and nor should we. He did not intend for it to be used as an anti-God assault vehicle. When the next Darwinist hits you with Occam's Razor, while sitting back and basking in his own brilliance, use this to set him straight.